Ventilating apparatus



June 10, 1930.

ME A. VINING VENTILATING APPARATUS Filed Sept. 15; 192'? 5 Sheets-Sheet l June 10, 1930. M. A. VINING VENTILATING APPARATUS Filed Sept. 15, 1927 5 Sheets-Sheet 2 June 10, 1930. M. A. vmme VENTILATING APPARATUS Filed Sept. 15', 1927 5 Sheets-Sheet 3 June 10, 1930. M. A. VINING VENTILATING APPARATUS Fiied Sept. 13, 1927 5 Sheets-Sheet 4 v -u n u l l l l gmwntoz June 10, 1930. M A V| |N I \IENTILATING APPARATUS Filed Sept. 13, 1927 I 5 Sheets-Sheet 5 Patented June 10, 1930 I mn mrrr A. vimne, or GRAND RAPIDS, MICHIGAN VENTILATING APPARAT S Application filed September 13, 1927. Serial no. 219,288.

I This invention relates to ventilating fans,

and has particular reference 'to'a fan for exhausting foul air, smoke, gases and similar fluids from rooms. Ventilating fans of this character are commonly used in kitchens to remove the odors of cooking and such smoke that may arise therefrom. This smoke and air discharged by the fan is usually heavilyladen withgrease which settles on the various parts of the device and collects dust rapidly. It is the usual practice in fans of this character,

to provide a plurality of shutters between the fan and the outside wall of the building so'that when the fan is not operating, these shutters will close and prevent drafts in the room during the winter, and the entrance of insects in'the summer. Various methods of Operating these shutters have been devised both manuallyand automatically; however,

so far. as I am aware, all of these devices are open to the objection thatthe motor is. or can be started before the shutters are substantially wide open, hence aback pressure is created againstthe shutters, which often blows the grease laden .dust backinto the house.

provide a ventilating fanwherein'the shutters are first'opened to substantially their full open position andthenthe fan motor is automatically energiZed after which the shutters may be adjusted toany. desired degree of opening, thus insuring the discharge of any grease laden dust or dirt to the exterior of the building.

Another object is'to provide a ventilating fan which shall first. close the shutters to a substantially completely closed position, then shut off the fan motor sothat when stopping the operation of the unit there will be no danger of insects entering the-building.

A further object is to provide a fanv structure of the above-character which shall be 4- hingedly mounted to its support so that it may be readily and quickly opened to aiford ready access to the shutter mechanism for purposes of cleaning. A still further object is 'to provide a ventilating fan unit which shall be simple in and shutters, but with construction, inexpensive to manufacture, 1

and which shall be highly efficient and silent in operation.

With these and other objects in view, the invention may be stated to consist in' the various novel features of construction and arrangement or combination, all of which will be fully described hereinafter and pointed out in the appended claims.

In the drawings accompanying and forming a part of this application,

' Fig. 1 is an elevation of the window filler the fan and motor removed therefrom;

Fig. 2 is a bottom planview thereof;

Fig. 3 is a fragmentary elevation of the window filler showing the fan and motor attached thereto;

. Figs. 4 and 5 are detail sectional views taken respectively on the lines '4L4 and 5.-5 of Fig- 3;

Fig. 6 1s a vertical sectional view through the window filler and showing the fan and shutters in side elevation;

Fig. 7 is an enlarged detail fragmentary .view of the upper portion of theshutters and v fan supporting ring; It is the primary ob]ect of my invention to Fig. 8 is a fragmentary view partly in elevation and partly in section, and showing the motor control switch and actuating mechanism therefor;

Fig. 9 is a horizontal sectional view taken on'the line 9-9 of Fig. 6;

Fig. 10 is a fragmentary view, partly in elevation and partly in section showing a modified shutter actuating mechanism;

Fig. 11 is a fragmentary elevation thereof, with parts broken away;

Fig. 12 is a sectional view 12'12 of Fig..10; and

- Fig. 13 is an elevation illustrating a modified form of window filler.

A ventilating unit constructed in accordance with my invention comprises a suitable taken on the line support which in the present instance is'in the form of a window filler strip denoted generally at 1. This strip is preferably formed of a plurality of sections that are slidably engaged with each other to permit-it to be read-- 11y adjusted to window frames of various closed positions.

widths. In the present instance I have illus trated the filler strip as consisting of a sheet metal central section 2 having oppositely extending side panels 3 slidably engaged therewith. The central section 2 is preferably formed with laterally turned upper and lower edges 4 and 5 respectively, which serve as guides for the side panels 3 and also to strengthen the structure. Each side panel 3 is formed with upper and lower laterally projecting edge portions 4 and 5 respectively and also with laterally turned end edge portions 6. The edge portions 4 and 5 'are slidably engaged with the edge portions 4 and 5 of the central panel section, and the parts are secured in adjusted position by bolts 8 carried by the central panel; and engaged in longitudinally disposed slots; 9 that are formed in the side panels, as clearly shown in Fig. 2. Each side panel is also formed with a laterally disposed sealing strip 10, and these strips preferably overlap, as shown in Figs. 2 and 6, and seal the space between the panel sections and the top rail of the upper sash when such sash is lowered. The filler strip as a unit may be adjusted to the desired width and then locked by bolts'8, and the entire structure fastened in position between the side walls of the window frame by screws (not shown) passing through apertures 11. in the end edge portions 6.

The central panel section 2 is formed with a circular discharge aperture 14 and fastened over this aperture on the outer side of the panel is a shutter structure 15 that controls the degree of opening thereof. This shutter structure consists of a rectangular box-like structure 16 that is secured 'to the central panel section by bolts and nuts 17. Journalled at 18 in the side walls of this box-like structure are aplurality of louvers l9 that overlap when in closed position and normally close the outer side of the structure 16. The ends of arms 20 of these louvers arepivotally interconnected by a link 21 that is pivotally connected at its lower end to a lever 22 which in turn 'is pivoted at 23 to a projection 24 on the side wall of the box-like structure. As shown in detail in Fig. 9, the pivotal mounting for lever 22 comprises a bolt and nut hav-' ing a spring 25 interposed between the head of the bolt and the projection 24 so that any desired tension may be placed on the operating lever to hold the louvers in any desired position between full open and completely The lever 22 projects through a slot in the central panel section, and the inner end thereof is fitted with a pull link 26.

' The fan unit comprises an electric motor 30, the armature shaft 31 whereof is fitted with a fan 32 that is disposed in the aperture 14 of the central panel section. The fan motor is supported from a ring 33 that is resiliently connected to the central panel secl) tidn in a novel manner, to be referred to in detail hereinafter. Ring 33 is formed with a substantially semi-cylindrical peripheral edge portion (as viewed in cross section in Fig. 6), and a laterally extending cylindrical portion 34 that projects through aperture 14. A plurality of lugs 35 project from the semi-cylindrical edge portion of the ring, and these lugs have engaged therewith links 36 that connect at their inner ends with a collar 37 attached to the motor casing.

I preferably hinge the ring 33 to the central panel section so that the ring, together with the fan and fan motor, may be easily swung outwardly to one side from the filler panels and thereby afford ready access to the ion rs and associated mechanism for purposes of cleaning the dust and other refuse therefrom. Referring particularly to Figs.

3, 4 and 5, it will be observed that the hinge connections, as well as the latches, are preferably of a resilient character so that the motor noises are absorbed and not transmitted to the panel sections. This hinge connection comprises a coil spring 38 having one end thereof engaged in a strap 39 that is fastened to the central panel section 2, and the opposite end thereof engaged in an aperture formed in a lug 40 on the inner surface of ring 33, as

clearly shown in Fig. 4. The ring 33 and associated parts may be swung about the pivotal connection on strap 39, thereby affording ready access to the enlarged fan aperture l4 and shutter mechanism. In order to retain the ring 33 and the fan unit in operative position with respect to aperture 14, as well as to assist in supporting the same, I provide two resilient latches shown in detail in Fig. 5. These latches each comprise a coil spring 42 having one end thereof engaged in a lug 43 that projects from the inner surface of cylindrical portion 34 of ring 33, while the opposite end thereof is bent upon itself to define a loop 44. This loop is adapted to engage over a lug 45 that projects from the central panel section 2, and to facilitate disengagement therefrom. I preferably deflect the outer end portion of the loop outwardly, as shown in Fig. 5 so that it may be easily grasped. From the foregoing, it will be observed that the ring 33 and associated fan unit is resiliently supported from the panel and hence all motor noises will be reduced to a minimum, and will be prevented from being transmitted to the panel section.

The motor is energized by a suitable source of electricity (not shown), and interposed in the circuit is a snap switch for purposes of starting and stopping the motor. This switch is preferably actuated automatically in larly, the motor will not be stopped until the louvers are in completely closed position. Referring particularly to Figs. 7 and 8, it will be noted that I preferably place the motor control switch 48 in the louver housing and fasten the same to a sidewall of the boxlike structure 16. This switch is shown as being of the well known reciprocating push button type having actuating buttons 49 and 50 proecting from opposite ends thereof. Fast ened to the vertically disposed louver actuating link 21 are a pair of adjustably mounted bracket arms 51 and 52 arranged in spaced relation and disposed in alignment with buttons 49 and 50- respectively. These bracket arms are preferably so arranged that when the louvers have reached their full open PO,

sition the bracket arm 51 will engage buttons 49 and trip the switch to circuit making position, thereby completing the motor circuit, and similarly when the louvers reach the completely closed position, bracket arm 52 will engage button 50 and trip the switch to circuit opening positionand open the motor circuit.

. It will thus be obvious thatby pushing upwardly on operating link 26, the louvers will be opened and when substantially full open, the motor fan will be started. This arrangement insures all dust andforeign substances being discharged outside the building, as the louvre's being in substantially full open po sition do not cause back pressure into the room. The louvers may they be adjusted to any desired degree ofopening to exhaust the gases in the room quickly or slowly. Thisfeature permits the room to be cleared of smoke and odors in the winter months with-,

out driving too much heat into the atmosphere outside the building with consequent chilling of the room. The louvers must be practically or substantially closed before the motor circuit is opened, hence a strong draft is directed through the louvers until they are either completely or substantially completely closed, thereby preventing the entrance of flies and other insects into the room.

In Figs. l012 inclusive, I have illustrated a modified louver actuating mechanism. In this instance I have providedthe lower end of louver actuating'link 21 with a rack that is engaged with a segmental gear 61. This gear is mounted on a shaft 62 that projects through the central panel section 2"and is journalled in an elongated bearing 63 that is bolted or otherwise secured to panel 2.

The outerend of shaft 62 is fitted witha horizontally. disposed arm 64, the outer end whereof has connectedthereto the actuating.- pull link 26. The remaining'elements aresimilar to those previously'described and hence detailed description thereof is deemed unnecessary.

In Fig. 13 I have illustrated a modified form of filler strip which is formed with a transparent section to permit the light to enter the room and thus avoid the possibility of'darkening the room when only a single wlndow is available, as often is the case 1n small apartments. In this instance I have I overlapping relation, thus permitting the panel to be fitted to window frames of various Wi s. If desired, the transparent pane m y e in one piece and the marginal sheet metal frame may be formed of two telescopingunits capable of adjustment over a small range, as above, but with the end portions overlapping the end portions of the glass a.

distance sulficient to give several inches adj ustment laterally.

I claim 1. A ventilating apparatus of the charac ter set forth comprising an element having an aperture therein, a shutter structure controlling the degree'of opening of said aperture, and a motor driven fan normally disposed in operative relation to said aperture, said fan being resiliently mounted on'said element and movable into and out" of opera tive relation to said aperture about a vertically, disposed axis.

:2. A ventilating apparatus of the character set. forth comprising an elementhaving an aperture therein, a shutter structure controlling the degree of openingof said aperture, 1

and a motor driven fan hingedly and resiliently connected to said element and having the fan normally disposed in operative relat1on to said aperture, said fan being movable about its pivotal connection to afford access to said shutter structure through said aperture. a I 8. Aventilating, apparatus of the character set forthcomp'rising an elementhaving an aperture therein, a shutter structure controlling the degree of opening of said aperture, a ring disposed'in operative relation to said apertureand hingedly connected to said element, and a motor driven fan con'nectedto and supportedby said ring, said ring being resiliently connected to said element, said motor driven fan and ring being movable about its pivotal point as a unit to afford access to said shutter structure through said aperture.

. 4. A ventilatinga paratus of the character set forth compri ng a sheet metal elementhaving' an aperture therein, a shutter structure. fastened to said element on .one

side thereof, a supporting ring pivotal-1y and resiliently connected to said sheet metal element on the opposite side thereof, a motor driven fan carried by said ring and movable therewith about its pivotal connection, and latch mechanism for securing said ring and fan in operative position with respect to said sheet metal element.

5. A ventilating apparatus of the character set forth comprising an element having an aperture therein, a shutter structure controlling the degree of opening of said aperture, a motor driven fanunit normally disposed in operative relation to said aperture, and resilient means interposed between said fan unit and element, said means also serving as a pivotal connection for said unit to permit said unit to be moved into and out of operative relation to said aperture.

6. A ventilating apparatus of the character set forth comprising an element having an aperture therein, a shutter structure controlling the degree of opening of said aperture, a ring pivotally and resiliently connected to said element adjacent said aperture, resilient means for normally retaining said ring in operative relation to said aperture, and a motor driven fan unit carried by said ring.

7. A ventilating apparatus of the character set forth comprising an element having an aperture therein, a shutter structure controlling the degree of opening of said aperture, a ring pivotally and resiliently connected to said element adjacent said aperture, resilient latch mechanism for normally retaining said ring in operative relation to said aperture, said resilient latch mechanism and-pivotal connection being interposed between said element andring and substantially concealed by the latter, and a motor driven fan unit carried by said ring.

8. A ventilating apparatus of the character set forth comprising an element having an aperture therein, a shutter structure cona trolling the degree of opening of said aperture, a motor driven fan unit disposed in operative relation to said aperture, said shutter structure constituting a part of the fan casing and controlling the entire air draft from said fan unit, means for actuating said shutter structure, and a switch interposed in the motor circuit and disposed in operative relation to and adapted to be actuated by said shutter structure.

9. A ventilating apparatus of the character set forth comprising an element having an aperture therein, a shutter structure controlling the degree of opening of said aper ture, a motor driven fan unit carried by said element and disposed in operative relation to said aperture, means for actuating saidshutter structure, a switch dlsposed 1n ope" erative relation to said shutter structure, and

means associated with said shutter structure for actuating said switch only when the shutter structure is in substantially the full open or substantially full closed position.

, 10. A ventilating apparatus of the character set forth comprising an element having an aperture therein, a shutter structure controlling the degree of opening of said aperture, a motor driven fan unit carried by said element and disposed in operative relation to said aperture, a switch interposed in the motor circuit, and means for actuating said switch to close or open the motor circuit only when the shutter structure is in substantially maximum open posit-ion or substantially completely closed position.

11. A ventilating apparatus of the character set forth comprising an element having an aperture therein, a shutter structure controlling the degree of opening of said aperture, a motor driven fan unit carried by said element and disposed in operative relation to said aperture, means for actuating said shutter mechanism, a switch interposed in the motor circuit and disposed in operative relation to said shutter actuating mechanism and means associated with said mechanism for actuating said switch only when the shutter mechanism is in substantially full open or substantially completely closed positions.

12. A ventilating apparatus of the character set forth comprising an element having an aperture therein, a boxlike structure secured to said element and having a plurality of louvers therein controlling the degree of opening of said aperture, a member inter connecting said louvers for operating them in unison, a motor driven fan connected to said element and disposed in operative. relation to said aperture, a switch interposed in the motor circuit for opening and closing the same, said switch being disposed in operative relation to the member interconnecting said louvers, and means carried by said member for. actuating said switch.

13. A ventilating apparatus of the character set forth comprising an element having an aperture therein, a box-like structure secured to said element and having a shutter structure controlling the degree of opening of said aperture, means for actuating said shutter structure, a motor driven fan con nected to said element and disposed in operative relation to said aperture, a switch interposed in the motor circuit for opening and closing the same, said switch being disposed in operative relation to the shutter structure actuating mechanism and operable therewith. v

14. A ventilating apparatus of the char acter set forth comprising an element having an aperture therein, a box-like structure secured to said elementand having a shutter structure therein controlling the degree of opening of said aperture, mechanism for actuating said shutter structure, a motor driven fan pivotally and resiliently connected to said element and movable into and out of operative relation to said aperture, a switch interposed in the motor circuit for opening and closln the same, and a common means for operating said shutter structure actuatactuatlng ing mechanism and the switch mechanism. a

15. A ventilating apparatus. of the character set forth comprising an element having an aperture therein, a closure device for said aperture, a motor driven fan unit disposed in operative relation to said aperture, said closure device constituting a part of the fan casing and controlling the entire air draft from said fan unit, a switch in the motor circuit and a single operating means for actuating said closure device and said switch.

In testimony whereof I aflix my signature.

MERRITT A. VINING. 

